Chapter Thirteen
“Hey man, who’s the babe?”
Kane couldn’t believe his bad luck in having Hamster be the one to run across him having it out with Lisa. Now he’d have to bullshit his way out of this without leaving the idiot with unanswered questions. Since the guy never let anything alone, he knew the story better be good.
“She’s my hairdresser. How the fuck do I know? Just some chick who wanted my autograph.”
“She gave you the heave-ho, didn’t she?”
Pretending to be pissed, Kane shook his head. “Can’t blame a guy for trying. I think she’s into women.”
“Why, because she didn’t go for your charms?”
“Hey, man, any female with good eyesight would be falling over themselves to be with me. Right? I mean look at the package.” Kane opened his arms like a man onstage, taking a bow.
Laughing, Hamster fell into the trap. “Yeah, man. You’re one big dick.”
Steering Hamster away from where he’d been with Lisa, Kane didn’t breathe a full breath until they were out of the vicinity.
“I’m glad I ran into you, bro. I just had a call from Gordie and he’s now the proud owner of those… ahhh, balloons we were discussing last night. He wants a meeting to discuss how it’ll all go down.”
Ears perked; Kane nodded. “Anytime, man, anywhere. Let me know ‘cause I’m all in.”
Hamster laughed, his glee ringing out to where Kane wished he could just bang the idiot’s head against a light post. Of course, he didn’t. Playing along, he laughed too, and they headed to the pub for a celebratory beer.
Once inside, Hamster spread the word about Kane getting the heave-ho from a gorgeous chick and making it sound like the best joke he’d ever heard.
Gordie headed over and dug his arm into Kane’s side. “Seriously, dude, what were you thinking, man? Sitting out in broad daylight, schmoozing with a chick young enough to be your daughter, and having Hamster find you. You know that son of a bitch is nosier than hell, and he’ll pull this string until you either shoot him or shut him up some other way.”
Kane slapped his hands on the bar and purposely spoke loud enough for the group close by to hear. “Alright, asshole, enough. I got snubbed. Big deal. She was just a piece of ass who didn’t matter this much.” He snapped his fingers together and made a sneer to show his lack of care. Then he grabbed Hamster by the collar and lifted him up so his feet didn’t reach the ground. “The boss says I need to shut you up by either getting rough or killing you. Whaddaya think?”
Hamster waggled his head, the laughter gone now and only a sneaky fear appeared. “Hey, I’m just messin’ witcha.”
“Gonna stop now?” Kane shook the man for emphasis.
Hamster’s quick nod said it all. “Yeah. I’m done.”
“Good.” Kane lowered him and swung an arm around his shoulder, bringing him in close to his body. The strength he purposely used let the smaller Ham know who had just won that round and always could if it came down to it. “’Cause I’m sick of being the butt of your stupid humor.”
“Got it, man. Sorry.”
Gordie chuckled and broke into the scene. “Enough foolin’ around guys, we have to set a meeting for tonight. Now we’ve bought our equipment, we need to make plans.” He turned to Kane. “You okay with another houseful tonight?”
“Sure, dude. I’ll even spring for some beer and chips. You gonna invite the Commander?”
“He’s a busy man, but yeah. Thought I’d give him a call.”